The 60th edition of the National Schools Cycling, Swimming, and Track and Field Championships, commonly called ‘Nationals’, got underway in fine style with cycling and then the 10km open road race on Sunday.
District Three and Nine took gold, compliments of steely running from their athletes in the 10km race from Mary/Harlem to the National Track and Field Centre, Leonora, West Coast Demerara, on Sunday afternoon.
In the Boys’ open, sweet joy came for Odida Parkinson, who clocked 36 minutes, 48.23 seconds to win ahead of District Five (West Coast Berbice), Kiene Wadkar (37:21.88s) and Ledjuan Hensford of District 10 (Upper Demerara/Kwakwani), who clocked 37 minutes, 49.03 seconds.
Parkinson, who also competed at the Inter-Guiana Games this weekend, took control from the start and by the 1km marker, he was already distancing himself.
Languid strides and relaxed composure saw him canter to the finish line, way ahead of the pack to lift his arms high in front of a vociferous home crowd.
Additionally, Judy Lanis, who finished ahead of some boys, strode to the line with a time of 44 minutes, 21.90 seconds, while Odiessa George of District Six (Corentyne) had a time of 46 minutes, 28.43 seconds.
Rosmond Harvey of District Three had a time of 49 minutes, 24.21 to finish third.
On Monday, the action moves to the inner circuit of the National Park for cycling and the National Aquatic Centre for swimming.
Both events commence at 09:00h.
Track and Field will then take centre stage from Tuesday to Friday at the National Track and Field Centre.
